Putting away our Sins by M. J. Bahler

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Apr 1, 1873

Putting away our Sins.

By M. J. Bahler

Is there not a more extended meaning to these words than some of us have thought? Do they not reach backward, as well as forward? Is there not danger of our resting down satisfied with a sort of general confession of past sins, such as, I know I have been a great sinner, without putting away, really and truly, sins of the past?

Our efforts to overcome present and future temptations will avail us very little if past sins are not thoroughly and heartily put away.

And is there any real putting away of past sins without personal confession to the one we have injured; and also reparation as far as it lies in our power? It seems to me there is not. Putting away sins, means something more than ceasing to sin.

Dig deep, and lay the foundation sure. It is very essential to do this in forming a Christian character. Dear reader, did you dig in laying your foundation, or did you say, I know I have been a great sinner; I see my past life is all filled up with filth and rubbish; it is poor work, and I will begin right there to do differently; I will now lay my foundation for a better life? Too many build thus, and this is why they do not stand. They did not go to work in earnest, and tear up the rubbish of past sins by hearty personal confession. It will not do to build upon the uneven surface soil; we must dig. Don't think the past is all right because it is forgotten; no, but go to work and dig, praying God to help you that every past sin may be completely dug out, and your foundation be laid deep and sure.

I know that this is no easy work. It is against nature to pick out the sin, and confess to the person; but oh! my brother, my sister, there is a rich blessing which will follow you if you make clean work. You will gain a strength which he who confesses his sins all in a bundle never obtains.

M. J. Bahler.